Drivers block Bruzgi border checkpoint (Video)

• 12.06.2011, 22:49

Drivers from Hrodna held a strike by blocking the road near Bruzgi border checkpoint.

Their discontent was caused by a jam at customs on the Belarusian-Polish border, “Nasha Niva” readers say.

After imposing a ban on exporting fuel and consumer goods, many drivers could not pass the border on June 12. In particular, those, who had been in Poland the previous day, were not allowed to leave the country. This provoked grassroots discontent.

A strike of over 100 people broke out at 6 in the evening. Riot police was thrown against protesters, who linked arms and resisted to policemen, a video shows. Protesters began to sign the Belarusian anthem at the moment of the greatest tension. Riot policemen yielded for some time, which was met with applause.

Riot police was able to disperse the strike only with tear gas. A few protesters were detained.

Buying goods in one country and selling them in the other was a main source of income for many Hrodna residents. As dwellers of near-border territories, they can obtain Polish visas on softer terms.

Inspired by motorists from Minsk, who achieved petrol price decrease, Hrodna residents struggle for more reasonable customs rules.